The Deaf Supporters’ Group (DSG) has called for inclusion in the Federal Government’s social welfare schemes for 2017 to enable persons with disability live a normal life without discrimination of any form.

The group also called for the immediate passage of the Disability Bill into law by the Federal Government with an essential implementation commission as demanded by the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD).

In a statement signed by the group’s National President, Mr. Afolabi Dahunsi, he said the deaf community was faced with difficult challenges in 2016 that led to the loss of life of many of their colleagues, who suffered from ill health due to unavailability of medical care and funds for treatment.

He bemoaned government’s neglect towards the deaf in the society, despite observing their civic responsibility of voting them into power. The statement reads: “We know that the economic recession, which Nigeria is currently experiencing is self-inflicted.

“Today, many deaf Nigerians are jobless, roaming the towns looking for job, still there is no solution in sight. Government has been promising and we still believe in Nigeria. To reduce poverty among the deaf community is a serious concern for us. Banks and financial institutions must dismantle barriers against our members that exclude them from transaction and borrowing money.”

Afolabi, however, noted that the deaf could be empowered through education and sporting activities, which opens opportunities for the persons living with disability.